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Diversion Programs

The City of Oshawa works with the Region of Durham in achieving a 70% target of diverting waste. In 2010 the City's diversion rate was You can make a difference!51% - we can do better!

Residents participating in the various diversion programs are the key to achieving this target. Waste diversion is critical to building a greener community!

Waste diversion is important in reducing waste. The following are three important steps in decreasing the amount of waste that you generate:

  • REDUCE the amount of waste we create
  • REUSE the waste we create
  • RECYCLE the waste we do not reuse

Use the following links to help you divert more waste:

Agricultural Bale Wrap

Appliances and Scrap Metal Recovery

Scrap metal including old energy-guzzling appliances can be recycled in an environmentally responsible way.

Curbside Recycling

For more information on curbside recycling contact the Region of Durham.

Household Hazardous Waste

Dispose of your household chemicals properly not down the drain or in the garbage.

Ontario Deposit Return Program

Take your empty eligible wine, beer and spirit containers to The Beer Store (or other designated Bulk Return Locations) and claim a full refund of your deposit.

Organics

Plastic Bags

If you can't reduce or reuse your plastic shopping bags why not recycle them. Plastic shopping bags can be reused many times and then recycled into new plastic bags, plastic lumber products, waste and recycling containers, patio furniture and park benches etc.

Polystyrene Recycling

The Region of Durham accepts white expanded foam polystyrene cushion packaging at its Waste Management Facilities.

Reuse Options

If it's not broken don't trash it! Hold a yard sale, visit a consignment store, donate or use an on-line forum to find a new life for gently used clothing and other household items. Before you make a donation, please call to confirm the drop-off location and specifications. Why not consider using these options instead of buying new!

Sign Recycling

The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched a program to recycle all temporary signs made of corrugated plastic, plastic film and paperboard to help keep these materials out of landfill.

Used Tire Program

The "Used Tire Program" is a province-wide initiative which was launched on September 1st, 2009. Through the collection and recycling of used on-road and off-road tires the initiative supports Ontario's 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) efforts and cleans up existing stock-piles of scrap tires and prevents new stockpiles from being created.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Recycling

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Programis an Ontario Electronic Stewardship Program, designed to divert electronic and electrical waste from landfills. Under the program, 44 different products are eligible for diversion from landfill through a network of recycling and reuse partners.